Maritime forum backs sea cargo route between Birżebbuġa freeport and Gozo

The Malta Maritime Forum (MMF) welcomed the emphasis on moving more road transport to sea routes, viewing it as a key step for the sector’s future development.

In response to the Budget speech, the MMF highlighted a proposal made last year by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett to introduce a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo service connecting the Malta Freeport in Birżebbuġa with northern Malta, potentially including a stop at the Grand Harbour. A Ro-Ro vessel is designed to carry cargo that can be driven on and off the ship, similar to the Gozo Channel ferries.

The MMF said the proposed service would help ease road congestion in Birżebbuġa, the Inner Harbour areas and Ċirkewwa. It added that the measure would also contribute to lower CO₂ emissions, as maritime transport generates significantly less CO₂ per tonne-mile compared to road haulage by multiple trucks.

The forum also welcomed other maritime-related measures in the Budget, noting that they align with its own proposals and the Malta Vision 2050 strategy, which positions the maritime industry as a core part of Malta’s diversified, high-value economy.

These include the creation of a free-trade zone as a regional logistics hub and support for land reclamation projects for maritime infrastructure, provided these are backed by comprehensive risk, environmental, and economic assessments.

Additionally, the MMF highlighted the Government’s continued efforts to cushion the economy from international fuel and energy price volatility, which supports the competitiveness of local maritime operators across transport, logistics, terminal operations, ship repair and related services.

In conclusion, the MMF  acknowledged both the strengths and challenges of the sector, stressing that open dialogue and a shared vision are key to ensuring the maritime industry continues to thrive, delivering economic, environmental and social benefits.

The MMF also reiterated its support for a dedicated national authority solely responsible for the maritime sector to better address its future needs.